A Year of Classroom Read-Alouds for Elementary Outreach
Need a picture book so good it will leave kids clamoring for the library? Look no further! Here are my favorite picture books to read aloud during school outreach visits to elementary classrooms throughout the year. Click on the book guides for discussion questions, extension activities, and read-alikes guaranteed to get students excited about books and the library.
January
After the Fall
By Dan Santat
Did you ever consider what type of egg Humpty Dumpty was? After the Fall by Dan Santat is the perfect New Year read-aloud for elementary classrooms or during library field trips. This heartfelt children’s picture book has broad appeal for ages 5 through 12 and features themes of fear, perseverance, transformation, and new beginnings.
Amazon | Goodreads
February
Hank Goes Honk
By Maudie Powell-Tuck
“How can a goose be obnoxious? Oh, just you wait and see.” Hank Goes Honk by Maudie Powell-Tuck and illustrated by Duncan Beedie is the perfect read-aloud for celebrating kindness. Hank’s interruptions and rude behavior will cause giggles and teach students a lesson or two about being considerate to others.
Amazon | Goodreads
March
The Book That Almost Rhymed
By Omar Abed
A boy wrote the perfect rhyming story, but his sister won’t stop interrupting and ruining his rhymes! The Book That Almost Rhymed by Omar Abed and illustrated by Hatem Aly is the perfect read-aloud for ages 5 through 8. Preschoolers will enjoy this rollicking adventure filled with knights, rockets, and pirate ships, and the rhymes will enamor students in kindergarten through grade 3.
Amazon | Goodreads
April
Don’t Trust Fish
By Neil Sharpson
Don’t Trust Fish by Neil Sharpson and illustrated by Dan Santat is the perfect read-aloud for April, a month that celebrates fools on the first day. Don’t be a fool; don’t trust fish. Read this book during your next school visit for grades 2 through 5, yes, even grade 5. Trust me, they’ll laugh and love it.
Amazon | Goodreads
May
So Tortoise Dug
By Emmy Kastner
So Tortoise Dug by Emmy Kastner is the perfect elementary classroom read aloud to explore misunderstandings, gratitude, learn how many backyard critters take advantage of tortoise burrows, and to get kids giggling. Tortoise keeps digging burrows while waiting for his best friend and burrowmate, Mouse, to reappear, and soon almost every animal in the forest has a new burrow, but where is Mouse?!
Amazon | Goodreads
June
It Started with a P
By Brittany Pomales
King Liam dreamed his birthday was ruined by something starting with the letter P. Unfortunately, he can’t remember what it was, so all things from princesses to pizza and pants must go! It Started with a P by Brittany Pomales and illustrated by Andrew Joyner is guaranteed to get elementary students laughing and seeing the pesky downside of tantrums and overreactions.
Amazon | Goodreads
July
Don’t Hug Doug
By Carrie Finison
Not everyone loves hugs, so ask before giving them! This cheerful picture book is a storytime gem that explores boundaries and consent, with lots of audience participation. Encourage students to join you in yelling “No!” when appropriate and walk the book around for them to high-five it.
Amazon | Goodreads
August
Ferocious Fluffity
By Erica S. Perl
The kids in Room 2-D have an adorable new class pet, but looks can be deceiving. When Fluffity is let out of her cage without Mr. Drake present, beware! She’ll “bite them. Bite them. Bite them all.” Ferocious Fluffity: A Mighty Bite-y Class Pet by Erica S. Perl and illustrated by Henry Cole is pure rhyming fun and guaranteed to get elementary students laughing. It’s one of my favorite picture books to read aloud at the beginning of the school year.
Amazon | Goodreads
September
A Bold Pumpkin Plan
By Katy Hudson
Hedgehog is timid, but learns how helpful friends can be when he sets in motion a plan to make a pumpkin his new house. A Bold Pumpkin Plan by Katy Hudson is a cozy fall read that combines repetition and surprises that will touch young hearts and highlight the value of friendship and ingenuity.
Amazon | Goodreads
October
I Want to Eat Your Books
By Karen Lefranc
Your brains are safe, but the library books aren’t! I Want to Eat Your Books by Karin Lefranc and Tyler Parker is the perfect October picture book to get elementary students excited about the library and laughing out loud. You simply can’t beat zombies and mummies running amok before learning they like to read.
Amazon | Goodreads
December
Extra Yarn
By Mac Barnett
A young girl and her magical box of yarn transform a small town, but an evil archduke wants the box for himself. Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Jon Klassen is the perfect wintertime read-aloud and never fails to capture students’ attention and get them laughing.
Amazon | Goodreads
Visit The Youth Desk’s Outreach page for more book recommendations and tips!
